Vermont - Antiquities

An exceptional and very early Buddhist stone altar equipped with two handgrips for moving it to the spot of the planned sacrifice. Carved by hand from a si...

Bucket burns perfume in bronze resting on three feet. The body is sculpted with a band frieze with an archaic motif. Two inverted U-shaped handles punctuate the edge. This type of bronze bucket was cast with lost wax from molds in several parts and assembled when the piece was poured, these are the traces that can be seen on the back of the bucket. . The bronze has a beautiful green and dark gray excavation patina. This perfume burner was originally to have longer feet, no doubt arched, cut very long ago since the place of the cut has the same patina as the rest of the piece. China Zhou Dynasty...

This jar would have served as a mortuary object (mingqi), placed in a tomb as a substitute for the more valuable bronze and lacquer vessels. Along with a variety of other funerary earthenware objects, attendant figures, and animals, richly decorated vessels of this kind were intended to serve the spirit of the deceased in the afterlife. Period : Han dynasty Type : Jar Medium : Earthenware Dimension : 28.5 cm(Height) x 11cm(Mouth Diameter) Condition : Good(Overall in well-preserved ancient burial condition with some soil still adhering (showing minor abrasions and wear due to prolonged burial underground) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong * Han Dynasty Earthenware...

This tabletop display stand was once used to elevate an opium smoker's collection of pipe bowls, a removable element of the opium pipe often made of fine materials such as jade, yixi...

Magnificent standing horse in orange terracotta and traces of painting. With a finely decorated saddle and with the mane and tail hair braided. TL Test by Ralph Kotalla Lab NE: 09K12...

An outstanding original ancient Khmer/Cambodian Vishnu buddha carved sandstone head statue/sculpture dating from the 12th century. Mounted on a piece of teak wood base. Marked on the...

An old and exceptional completely lacquered akoda-nari suji’bachi kabuto (helmet with raised ridges) with a bronze maedate (decorative front piece) shaped like a spade, and mounted b...

This Nephrite Bi has hand carved pearls on both sides. Very detailed carving works and beautiful hand crafting tectonics. Overall it is in very good antique conditions with some norm...

A magnificent pair of male and female courtiers from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) in excellent condition. They are wearing traditional Daopao robes in green and black garments wit...

This is a truly exceptional set of 18th century Samurai armor that is sure to impress any collector or enthusiast. The patinated iron used in its construction has aged beautifully, giving the armor a truly unique appearance that is sure to catch the eye. The brocade silk and cotton padding used to line the armor not only provide a comfortable fit for the wearer, but also add an extra layer of decorative flair. One of the most striking features of this armor is the crests of the Hirate samurai clan that adorn it. These crests are a symbol of the clan's identity and heritage, and their presence on the armor speaks to the deep connection between samurai warriors and the clans they belonged to. The Kabuto...

Impressive handmade large and powerfully cast Japanese tripod bronze censer of the 19th century, made during the Meiji period and with mythical animals...

Two finely hollow-moulded terracotta statuettes from ancient China, dating to the Ming Dynasty. The figure is depicted standing, dressed in long, flowing robes, painted in vibrant blue or green and deep amber yellow. The hair is styled into an elaborate top-knot, painted in a muted brown. Areas left unpainted would have been 'cold-painted' after firing, contrasting with the vivid fired blue or green and amber pigments. The figure is shown with the left hand raised to the chest, as if holding something, possibly an offering or incense. Figurines like this were placed in tombs to guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. The Ming Dynasty was known for its exceptional artistic achievements, partly due to its economic prosperity. Since the Han Dynasty, it was customary to bury terracotta miniatures of everyday objects with the deceased. These items, known as mingqi, or "spirit utensils" and "vessels for ghosts," were believed to help and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Mingqi were crafted in the form of cooking utensils, miniature replicas of houses, temples, furniture, and other items. Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta figures were also popular, designed to assist, entertain, and recreate the living world for the deceased. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green/blue-glazed Pottery Type: Figure Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) Ancient & Oriental - Terracotta Tomb Attendants (Type : Highly related) 2) La Maison De La Petite Sara S.r.l. - Archaeology section - A Black glazed Terracotta Statuette, Servant with Trumpet, Ming Dynasty (Price realised : 700 GBP / Type : Highly related) * Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties. A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...